Refugee Sponsorship — Offer Safety. Offer Hope.
Canada's Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program empowers eligible groups to directly resettle refugees abroad — covering housing, income, and integration for up to one year. It is one of the most generous resettlement programs in the world, and one of the most complex. Our RCIC team guides sponsoring groups through every stage, so your commitment is set up to succeed.
A Pathway Built on Community Commitment
The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program allows eligible Canadian groups to identify, support, and welcome refugees from overseas. Unlike government-assisted refugees, who are matched to communities by IRCC, privately sponsored refugees are sponsored by named groups who commit financially and personally to their successful first year in Canada.
Three sponsor categories are eligible: Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) — organizations that have signed a formal agreement with IRCC, often religious congregations or settlement agencies; Groups of Five (G5) — five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who come together to sponsor; and Community Sponsors — incorporated organizations, associations, or corporations that sponsor under their own legal identity.
Each category has different financial, logistical, and documentation requirements. Our team works with sponsoring groups to verify eligibility, build accurate settlement plans, prepare financial commitments, and submit applications that meet IRCC's PSR standards.
Three Ways to Sponsor
Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs)
Organizations — often religious congregations, ethno-cultural associations, or humanitarian groups — that have signed a formal agreement with IRCC. SAHs can sponsor multiple refugees through Constituent Groups or directly. The most experienced and consistent pathway, with established processes and intake allocations.
Groups of Five (G5)
Five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in the community where the refugee will settle. G5 sponsors are limited to sponsoring refugees who already have refugee status from UNHCR or a foreign government. Each sponsor must personally undertake the financial obligations.
Community Sponsors
Incorporated organizations, associations, or corporations operating in the community where the refugee will settle. The Community Sponsor takes on the legal undertaking under its own identity — a common pathway for non-profits, businesses, and faith communities not signed up as SAHs.
Open Your Door to Refugees in Need.
Whether you're a SAH, forming a Group of Five, or sponsoring through your organization, our RCIC team will help you build a sponsorship that's properly resourced and ready to succeed.
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